Checkpoint Ancillaries
with discrete event modelling (software that simulates Enhancing X-Ray Detection
checkpoint operations) to assess and refine alternate concepts This past year saw a change in how regulators in Europe and
of operations (CONOPS) for primary and secondary search of the US viewed the ongoing development of inspection
liquids. A series of airport trials will assess both the checkpoint algorithms. Historically, detection standards (such as the
simulations and the CONOPS and the regulators will use the TSA’s Certification Standards for hold baggage) have aimed
qualification process to formally evaluate these and other at a broad spectrum of explosives and concealment
systems. Most likely, the regulators will offer airports different methods. Regulators have since realised that attempting to
options and incentives for each category of system deployed, use software algorithms in such a broad manner generates
recognising that any Category D systems are likely to be the too high a false alarm rate, which becomes a burden on X-ray
most costly. operators and passengers, especially at the checkpoint. The
new approach put forward by several governments is to
Medical Cast/ Bandage Inspection challenge equipment manufacturers to fine-tune their
TSA funded the development and recently deployed 35 algorithms by detecting only what they do best and driving
CastScope systems at various airports as part of a limited the nuisance alarm rate down. The goal is to achieve
deployment to counter a current security loophole that has excellent automatic detection in a few areas and use human
not yet been exploited by terrorists; the potential for terrorists operators to inspect the balance of threats, ideally
to smuggle concealed weapons inside medical casts, simplifying the ever more difficult job that the operators are
bandages and prosthetic limbs. This novel application of X- currently being asked to do. There are three key areas that
ray backscatter technology was strongly supported by several companies are currently exploring.
US veterans and disability groups who objected to the impact
of current, highly invasive methods of screening that Liquids Inspection
subjected disadvantaged passengers to additional The first, and likely most mature, is liquid inspection
humiliation at the checkpoint while offering minimal security enhancements to X-ray. A system called the OptoScreener uses
value. CastScope offers a method for detecting a large – software algorithms and hardware add-ons to transform
though by no means all – range of threats. Though also conventional X-ray systems into measuring instruments
trialled in the UK, the US is the only country that has started capable of liquids inspection. By carefully calibrating the X-ray
deploying the systems to date. signal and only looking at liquid containers in trays without
Presents:
4th
annual
In association with: Media partner:
11-12 March | RACV Melbourne
TTooo Register: Register:
Researched and organised by:Researched and organised byy:
(+61) 2 9080 4307 (+61) 2 9080 4307 r registration@informa.com.auegistration@informa.com.au
(+61) 2 9290 3844 (+61) 2 9290 3844 wwwwww.informa.com.au/aviationsecurity.informa.com.au/aviationsecurity
32 Register now for FREE instant access to ASI online by visiting www.asi-mag.com February 2009 Aviationsecurityinternational
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